25 July 2018

2018- n° 195

In July 2018, the economic climate improves sharply in civil engineering Quaterly survey of public works - July 2018

According to the business managers surveyed in July 2018, the economic climate in civil engineering has improved sharply. The civil engineering professionals are confident: all the balances of opinion stand well above their long-term average.

In July 2018, more business managers than in April have indicated an increase in their activity over the past three months, mainly due to public-sector projects. After a fall in April, probably in connection with unfavourable weather conditions in the first quarter of 2018, the corresponding balance of opinion has picked up and has almost returned to its level hit at the beginning of the year, far above its long-term average. Otherwise, as many business managers as in April forecast an increase in their activity over the next three months. The corresponding balance is virtually stable for both types of customers, public sector and private sector, and remains in both cases well above its long-term average. Furthermore, business managers deem that their order books are more filled; the corresponding balance of opinion has advanced and has exceeded more largely its long-term average.

In July 2018, obstacles to production due to workforce shortage have intensified. Indeed, 51% of businesses have indicated being hampered because of workforce shortage, the highest proportion since April 2001 and well above its long-term average (15%).

Slightly more business managers than in April 2018 plan to increase their workforce in the next few months. The corresponding balance has increased again and stands far above its long-term average.